SPEAKER_02 0:04

You're listening to the Hanging with the AD podcast, where we break down hot topics in athletic administration and lessons learned through leadership. Now, here are your hosts, Josh Matthews and Don Baker.

SPEAKER_04 0:18

Welcome back to the Hang with the AD podcast. Today we sit down with 2021 NIAA president and Fort Worth Independent School District Director of Athletics, Dr. Lisa Langston. We actually sat down with Dr. Langston for a full interview a few months ago, but we wanted to get an update from her regarding her role as this year's NIAA president. So before we get into the full introduction, let's hear from Lisa about the upcoming National AD conference to be held in Denver, along with how her year has gone as NIAA president. Lisa, glad to have you joining the podcast again.

SPEAKER_03 0:50

Hi, thanks for having me. It's a pleasure to be with you two. So, Lisa, the last time we talked, you were the NIAA president elect. And now you have spent eight months as NIAA president. Has it been everything you thought it would be? And I know having to still lead a large school district while leading the NIAA as president in such a roller coaster of times has to have been a huge challenge.

SPEAKER_01 1:14

It has. But it's been great though. You know, one of the reasons I joined the board was it was in order to serve. But in serving others, you know, you get pleasure and joy from that. And I really have gotten that from my time as president. And also, you know, when you go through certain experiences in life, it changes you. And that's what, you know, my involvement with the NIAA, I, you know, it's just like I've been on this continuous growth process and uh, you know, and you're developing your capacities along the way. And and I would say is uh this presidential run has been no different than that. Uh I I see myself growing and I and I know that the people that I am honored to serve and and lead, I know that they see the growth in me. And you know, one of the things that you want to, I've always tried to do is be a great role model. And um and this this um honor uh has has allowed me to do that for uh not just the people that I see day to day, but I know you know, you know it's like coaching. You know, you never know how you're impacting someone's life until they come back and tell you 25 years later.

SPEAKER_04 2:35

Lisa, before we go on, maybe help us and our listeners out a little bit. What are the duties and responsibilities of the NIAA president?

SPEAKER_01 2:43

Well, the duties and responsibilities, in some ways, they're no different than if you are leading your own campus, uh, your own district. Uh it's no different than uh, you know, if you're on a rowing team and you have that person sitting up front that's telling everyone, you know, the sequence, you know, so that the boat keeps going down in a straight line. Uh that's kind of what being a president is like. Is it's you know, it's one of when you're successful, you're you're cheering, but you your whole thing is you're cheering your your group on and just giving direction as as needed. Um but with the group that we have on our board, uh, and all the boards have been a part, I mean that you know that's an easy task because we all have a uh a very uh narrow focus on doing what's in the best interest of our members. And uh and this has been a pleasure. Uh, I I will tell you, it's been a great experience for me.

SPEAKER_04 3:37

Now, let's go ahead and uh attack the elephant in the room, the the 2021 National AD Conference. The virtual conference was a huge success. Uh, everyone wants to be back in person. Uh, it was very exciting to see the registration and hotel information get posted last month. And I know that many have already booked it on their calendars, uh, but with the spike in COVID over the past couple months and and not really sure if it's going to slow down or not, what can you tell us about where the conference stands as far as realistically happening in person in Denver?

SPEAKER_01 4:06

Right now, uh there hasn't been any change of plans. There's not been any talk of um uh pivoting or anything at this time. You know, uh with the recent news of the um Pfizer getting full approval, I think that will help us a lot. Um, you know, I've I've gone to a couple of uh meetings this, you know, this summer I went to the in uh the National Executive Directors Summit, and you know, everybody was completely vaccinated, even though you don't have to ask people that, you know, that that status, but we all were, and and people felt comfortable. Um my hope is that um you know things change because they can. Uh, we've seen it before, uh, and I'm I'm very hopeful. Uh I think our our members, everyone is looking forward to um in person. And I can just tell you from the board perspective, when we were able to meet in person in July, uh someone made the comment that uh they had never laughed that much at a board meeting. Even though we were focused on the work at hand, it was just this joy of being together and that that fellowship that, you know, uh being on Zoom like us, you just, you know, you can't replicate that that in-person feel. Um, you know, the uh voice inflection, the, you know, you can see people's eyes more clearly, you can see their expression. And I mean, uh, you know, and and we we learn so much from and and collaborate so much from each other and in the networking. Um, you know, I you know, I I like to I'm like, I'm just hopeful that um things uh get better. And uh, you know, if it's December is a few months off and uh and we will move forward um as things are scheduled right now.

SPEAKER_03 5:53

Yeah, that's great news. Uh uh I know I'm very excited. All I'm waiting on is Delta to run a uh special on some airlines so we can get that part booked and we're good to go. So already registered, signed up. So uh can't wait to get back in person there. Uh Lisa, on a personal note, what are you looking forward to the most from the 2021 National AD conference? Uh it seemed watching Lannis last year, your role forces you to attend many meetings. It's kind of is that grand finale. But um, is there one piece that is getting you excited as the conference nears?

SPEAKER_01 6:28

Yeah, I I think probably the Hall of Fame banquet and and we will have two awards ceremonies. So I should say our award uh ceremonies where we, you know, we get to honor uh our members that have, you know, serve um student athletes and coaches around this nation really well and and and and get the opportunity to celebrate them. I would say that that's one thing that I that I'm looking forward to. So uh everyone that's listening, make sure you stick around uh to TUC Night's uh award banquet. Um that's always a special time. Yeah, because we get to, like I say, celebrate everyone. And uh and I I'm looking forward to that.

SPEAKER_03 7:08

Now, do the presidents get to put their own touch on the Hall of Fame? So will yours be different than Lannis's on Friday night? Is there a little competition going on there?

SPEAKER_01 7:16

No, there's no trust me, there is there's absolutely no competition. No, what we really wanted to do uh was uh we wanted to make sure that the individuals that were um Hall of Fame inductees and award winners from 2020 that they do not miss the opportunity to be celebrated in front of their peers. Um and so we're gonna you know we're gonna do two different uh award ceremonies so that Lannis, you know, uh can celebrate uh with the uh individuals who were awards winners, award winners when he was president, and then we'll have uh the 2021 on that Tuesday night.

SPEAKER_03 7:51

Yeah, that's a great idea. We just had to do that in Georgia, so I think that's a that's a great idea that y'all did. Hey, I want to look back in time a little bit. Do you remember your first conference? There may be some folks listening who are going to be first-time attendees, there may be some athletic directors listening who have never gone to a conference. Give them a sense of what the conference can do for them.

SPEAKER_01 8:11

Oh wow. Okay, well, I and I I believe if my memory serves me correctly, my first conference was 2004 in San Antonio. And one of the first people I ran into was Annette Soggin, you know, past president. And Annette and I had been friends uh here in in in the Dallas Fort Worth area, uh, and I hadn't seen her in in a uh in several years. And um, you know, and so she kind of took me under her wings uh at that point. And so my first thing is the networking, because it was through the networking with Annette that I'm sitting as the president of the NIAA today. But the knowledge, like right now, I'm looking across and and and now since we we're uh we're no longer uh publishing those big binders, but I'm looking, my 502 binder is right here in my eyesight. And you know, that is like uh that's my go-to. Uh, you know, I'm in my 26th year, 27 year, I'm I'm losing count now, uh in athletics, but that that's a resource that I can go back to. And so I would say for people that are coming in your first conference, you're gonna, you know, first of all, uh just take it all in, take a deep breath, uh and and and enjoy the experience and uh put your good listening ears on. You know, one thing that I have valued uh whenever I go to the conference is the conversations that I have, because I always, you know, it never fails that it doesn't matter who I'm I'm I'm speaking with, it could be, you know, strangers or uh or friends that I've met through the years that, you know, we look forward to seeing each other at the conference. But regardless, the conversations that we have will always come back to what we do. And I find value in that and and and lessons and uh you know best practices and tips and and and and things that will uh benefit uh the students in Fort Worth ISD because that's who uh you know ultimately serves them. And so this experience allows me to to be the best Lisa Langston that I can be for the for the students and coaches that you know I feel very privileged and honored to uh to work for.

SPEAKER_04 10:35

That's really great. Lisa, before we finish, what has been the most rewarding aspect of serving as the NIAA president? Obviously, the conference is probably the grand finale uh and the highlight of the year, but have you had other experiences or seen other places or experienced things that you didn't see coming? And you look back and you go, wow, that that was really cool, you know, and you only experienced it because of your role as the NIAA president.

SPEAKER_00 10:59

Well, can I do two things if you don't mind?

SPEAKER_01 11:03

Um well uh I I think part of it is is being able to get out in front of like uh I was the uh the uh keynote speaker for the Oregon uh their virtual conference. Uh that would not have occurred had I not been president. And and what it has allowed me to do is uh be a face for uh for some people that never see a face that looks like mine and and and have an adverse uh perspective and and and things like that. So I think that that's helpful and and and really important, uh, especially as you know, we we have our ad hoc DEI um committee and and the work that we're trying to do on that behalf of just bringing in all those different perspectives and and really valuing them and and and making sure everybody had the sense of belonging. So that's one thing. And then the second thing was I mentioned that I was able to attend the uh NE DC uh and it was in uh Deadwood, South Uh Dakota. South Dakota had never been on my my to-do list, right? But I was able to go to that uh summit and it was fantastic. The host there, uh Jim did a marvelous job, and I was able to go to Mount Rushmore. And you know, you're talking about, I mean, awestruck this wow. I mean, it's just incredible to think what was how that was created back in the days that it was created. And so I look at that as an experience um that I I probably wouldn't have gotten had I had, you know. And the people that I was able to meet, you know, that that's you know, so I'll say that as a third thing. Um the people that I've been able to meet has been really um, it's just uh touch my soul for lack of a better way to put it. It's just it's been fabulous.

SPEAKER_04 13:01

Well, I know that that uh we are better for our interaction with you as well. And so I and so I appreciate you for that. You know, thank you for the updates on the conference uh and your uh you know, in regards to your year serving as the NIAA president. We wish you a successful conference uh and a strong finish to this very challenging year leading the NIAA. So thank you for all that you have done and that you continue to do.

SPEAKER_01 13:26

Thank you very much for having me, and I look forward to seeing you both in Denver.

SPEAKER_03 13:30

Yeah, we look forward to seeing you up on the uh up on the podium there on Saturday night. Uh yes, sir.

SPEAKER_04 13:37

Now we're gonna transition into our conversation we had earlier with you. Uh listeners, enjoy learning from one of the best ADs in Texas and a true leader in our profession. Let's settle in to learn from Dr. Lisa Langston.

SPEAKER_03 13:59

Dr. Langston, we're glad to have you joining Don and I for this episode of Hanging with the AD. Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us today.

SPEAKER_01 14:07

Oh, thank you. It's an honor to be with you guys.

SPEAKER_03 14:10

For our listeners, Dr. Lisa Langston is the director of athletics for the Fort Worth Independent School District in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Langston also serves on the NIAA Board of Directors, and she is serving as the NIAA president in 2021. But I'll stop right there and let Dr. Langston tell us a little bit more about her journey through the world of athletics. Lisa, we like to start a show with a short bio of our guests. We call that the back of the baseball card bio. So if you could share with us and our listeners what the back of Dr. Lisa Langston's baseball card might look like.

SPEAKER_01 14:45

Okay, the back of my baseball card would look like uh I was a four-sport uh athlete in high school, and I had also played year-round softball on the side. Uh I was a uh collegiate athlete. Uh I played two sports at uh Texas AM University, because that's a good Aggie thing to do. Um after I finished my uh four years of basketball, I went out and I ran track. Uh, my senior in my fifth year. Uh I was a hundred-meter uh hurtler in high school and in college. Um and once I graduated and and finished up my eligibility in track, I went to Germany and I played a couple of years of basketball uh in in Deutschland, and uh that was a tremendous experience for me. I came back home because my mother was really wanting me to get back in the States, and I started my uh education career. Um I started off um in Fort Worth ISD. This is the uh the one place I've been my whole um academic career uh uh in education. I started off, I was a um basketball uh uh coach, girls basketball coach uh for five years. So I was a health and phys uh physical education educator. Uh, and I've been in the athletic department now uh for 20, I'm in my 26th year. I started out as uh intramural coordinator uh for five years, moved to assistant athletic director, and the past uh what three to four years I've been the director of athletics. So that's it in a nutshell.

SPEAKER_03 16:14

Well, that's great. Uh been in been in one place your entire career, that's pretty phenomenal there. So were you a better track athlete, basketball player, or softball player?

SPEAKER_01 16:24

Definitely, you know, most people don't even are aren't aware of this. I was a high school all-American in track in 100 meter hurdles, but I love playing basketball. And so that's what I'm mostly known for. And I will say after uh continuing my career over in in Germany, uh I think basketball became my favorite just because of the life experience that I was able to uh gain uh through that sport. Sure. Life changing.

SPEAKER_03 16:50

Outstanding, yes. So you told us how you got here. Um, but to start off right now, tell us why you're involved with athletics. Why are you an athletic administrator and doing what you're doing?

SPEAKER_01 17:03

Okay. Initially, uh starting off, I went to college as an electrical engineering major. Uh I worked a basketball camp after my freshman year of college, and I found that teaching someone uh basketball skills, someone who thought they couldn't, and I was working with the younger uh athletes like fifth graders and sixth graders, and I found just uh being able to teach them a skill in in four days and how they felt about themselves and and and what they were able to accomplish gave me such personal joy. And so after my uh freshman uh summer, after that summer, my freshman year, I changed my major to physical education and decided then that I wanted to coach. Um when I went over to Germany to play, I had the opportunity to also coach a team while I was there, and that just kind of solidified that that desire to uh change people's lives using uh the sport of basketball. But in a and so I only taught and coached for five years, and then uh I got an opportunity to come into the athletic department and run an intramural program, and that kind of started me on this um athletic administration path. But when I really think back at a time in high school, I can remember being at a regional track meet and an assistant athletic director for uh Dallas ISD. I'm from Dallas, Texas, uh Dallas ISD graduate, and we were at a regional track meet, and Louie Harris came up to the track meet uh came up to me at the track meet and she said hello to me, and she knew my name. And for for me, that the fact that she knew who I was, it just I don't know, I can't even describe how I felt as a person. You know, they talk about how you know people remember how someone made you feel. And I remember how as an athletic administrator, how she made me feel. And I and I thought I want to do that same thing for many kids, uh multiple kids. And so um uh that was part of the reason why I made the decision to leave uh teaching and coaching, because I love the kids I was coaching at at Pascal High School here in Fort Worth. And and so um, you know, I'm able to affect uh the lives of so many more kids here. And and so, you know, and that's that's my joy. I I I enjoy making the connections with the student athletes and the coaches and and helping them to make a difference in their lives. And so that that's that's that's why I do what I do.

SPEAKER_03 19:29

That's great. Yeah, great. Outstanding. So to take that just a little bit further, thinking about your long career in athletic administration and maybe trying to give uh the listeners and us two uh just a little something tangible to take home with us. Are there maybe a couple, two or three books that you have read over your career that have influenced your leadership style and influenced you and who you are as a leader?

SPEAKER_01 19:55

You know, when I think about books, man, and I read so many and and you try to um I try to take something from all of them. You know, one that stands to mind is the book called uh Deception of Leadership. And this one is it's a book more about what I gained from that was more about looking at people and seeing them as human. And and it was a lot, it was a book about conflict, really. And um and so when you have an issue with someone, making sure that you you know you're not looking for a fight right off the bat, you're looking at this person as as human and looking at their best qualities and treating them uh in such a manner. Uh so that that's that's one book that this just has uh stood out with me. Um of course, you know, the John Mootens um uh his pyramid, um Coach K Leading with the Heart, you know, it's like I've I I've forgotten more of them than I than I can remember uh because I I you know I'm looking on my on my shelf right now. I have John Maxwell, the 360 Leader. That's a great book for anyone who wants to get into athletic administration and you're not there yet, uh, teaching you about how you can lead in the middle. Um, you know, I I just got a call on um Monday from a young coach that you know was asking if I could be a mentor. And and I and this goes back to a mentoring book that I read, and I can't even think the title of it, but it was talking about mentorship and how when you are a mentor, both individuals learn from that experience. And that's what I share with this young coach. I said, you know, you you'll be you'll gain some things from me, but I'm going to gain some things from you. So don't think of this as a one sided uh adventure and things like that. So that's just a few of them. And I and like I said, unfortunately, I can't remember the titles. And at home, I actually have a reading log. I bought a book to write down the names of the books that I that I've read, uh, and and writing notes and quote and quotes and things like that so that I can uh go. Back and reference uh uh the the different books. Oh, I here we go. Mindset. Man. Oh, this is a fabulous book right here. Uh I I recommend this for anyone, uh not just for athletic administrators, but just in general. Talking about having the right mindset in your personal and professional life. This is this is a great book. See, I now you ask me that, and there it is right there.

SPEAKER_04 22:28

Well, I tell you, you know, and I before before we get into some of these other questions, you just just in that one answer, you have touched on three questions that we are about to ask you. And I want to be very transparent. Dr. Langston did not have the questions before we hit we got on this call today. And that it just it's it's very refreshing when we sit down and we talk to somebody and they start going down different you know different concepts and stuff and it's questions that we're gonna ask. And so um I think that's that's excellent. So uh Dr. Langston, we recently sent a tweet out asking for recommendations of athletic leaders in the state of Texas specifically that we could sit down with and almost immediately your name showed up in several of the lists of names that we received from different people from really all over the country. I think that that's a testament not only to your role there in Fort Worth, but as well as your influence on a national level with the NIAA as we've mentioned. I also think it's because you have a God-given ability to form positive connections with those people that you meet. I think that is a skill. I don't think everybody has it. Uh, and I think that that you definitely do. Why is it important for you as the leader, or really any leader for that matter, to be able to build positive connections with those that they interact with?

SPEAKER_01 23:48

That's how you get work done. I mean, it it's it's it's real simple. That's how you get work done. Uh, I know that uh for me uh as a college athlete in my junior year, we had a new coach come in and Lynn Hickey, and that's really she's been my mentor, and I looked at how she came in and treated uh individuals and how she went about her business and just you know just made an indelible mark on on my life. And you know, and when you start looking at what is your purpose, and that's you know, that's that's what drives this. This is my purpose, is to go out and and and try to make a difference in other people's lives. Uh just make them a little better. And and I think through athletics you can. I mean, I I talked about my experience living in Germany. The thing that I gained from there was um I know what it's like to be different in in a culture where, you know, I didn't know the language. And so it makes me more sensible to uh uh sensitive to others. Um and and and I think I carry that uh what what I do um on a day-to-day basis. And when I meet people, you know, I I'm looking to see how I can help you. And sometimes the help is just in listening, just being a good listener. Um and then I gain so much from other people, you know, just uh, you know, as athletic administrators, you know, I think about when I go to our national conference, every conversation that I have at the national conference, I don't care where we are, it's gonna come back to what we do. And you're getting all these little nuggets, things that come back and make you uh that help you to become a more effective uh leader. And um and I think that I've just been observant through the years. Um and and these are things that I picked up on is you know, it it it benefits everyone when you have a great relationship.

SPEAKER_04 25:41

That's great. Now I recently read a book by ESPN commentator Jimmy Dykes, and he stated in that book that below average coaches can't see the problems on their teams. Good coaches can see the problem, but they can't fix the problem. And great coaches can identify and fix the problem. And speaking to that conflict that you mentioned uh a little earlier, I would say that from coaches to athletes to teachers to parents, a lot of the conversations that athletic administrators have, they deal with problems. You know, most of the time when our phone rings or someone approaches us at an event, it isn't just to wish us a good day, okay? You know, a lot of the times, you know, they've got a fire that they want extinguished. Um so what would you say to the athletic leader who is really struggling with having these difficult conversations, sometimes daily, uh, and how not to only identify the issue but find resolutions to them? I feel like it's our job as ADs when we step into those situations to bring that temperature down. That's that's what we should do. Uh, but what would you say to that leader that's struggling with that?

SPEAKER_01 26:49

Oh boy, I would say first of all, uh again, it goes back to listening and also the realizing you don't have to have the answer. I think that's sometimes part of uh trying to resolve issues is is listening and also you know, it's okay to say, hey, I hear what you're saying, let me get back to you, let me get some more information on that. Uh and I and I think that for me, I know that that has just come with professional growth. You know, um uh there was a time when when uh an angry parent called, uh the hairs on the back of my neck was stand-up, and it's just like, oh, you know, I I didn't want to, because that's just not my nature. But then I realized I start listening, and a lot of times what I'm looking for is the hints of truth in in what the parent or that that uh the situation might present itself and it might be opportunities for us to get better. And so um, you know, nobody wants those calls, but I I I guess I would say is don't be frightened by them and don't feel like you have to provide an answer immediately to that. You know, that's what mentors are for. I mean, that's where it's so important for athletic directors to have the networks because chances are if it's something that you've gone through, there might be someone else who's gone through it too. And so it might be great to bounce an eye, you know, bounce whatever you you're thinking about doing, whatever you think might be a resolution or uh solution or uh or whatever it might be or strategy you want to take. Run it past someone else first and say, hey, what do you think about this is what I'm thinking about doing. What do you think about this idea? And then they might say, hey, you know, I that happened to me one time, but this is how I handled it, and and it was a positive result. Things like that.

SPEAKER_03 28:33

Boy, that's good. Why are those words I don't know so hard to say, right? I mean, it's just uh three three easy words, but they're so hard to get out of your mouth. We we want to know everything, I guess. Lisa, let's talk about the importance of having principles as leaders. I once coached with a head baseball guy. He he said his rule number one in coaching was resist the urge to coach. Resist the urge to coach. It doesn't make sense until you uh like see it in action, but uh that's what he said over and over and over to remind us to let the kids play and not paralyze the situation with a bunch of coaching. So, with your years in athletic administration or athletic leadership, what is your rule number one in athletic administration? And if you have two or three others you want to share, feel free to share those as well.

SPEAKER_01 29:23

Wow, man, that that's that is so broad. But you know, it kind of goes back to what I said earlier about this this growth as a professional, because there was a time where I did not delegate very well. I just didn't. You know, I felt like I had I I had and could do it all myself. But I realized what I was doing was, like you said, paralyzing others. I was preventing their growth. And that's what we want to do as leaders. Our job is to develop other leaders. I do that more freely now, is give people the the leeway and with some guidance, you know, or give them some parameter parameters, like, you know, this is what the situation is, how would you go about it, or just do it. Um yeah, and I'm doing that right now. You know, I uh I got track meet uh cross-country meets coming up, and it's just like, hey, coach, it's yours this year, you know, here's the you know, here's the parameters. Um and you see and allow them to grow. And man, you're talking about, and it's the same way with coaches, when you allow a kid to uh figure something out on the on their own, man, it just watch them blossom. Because, you know, the thing is the reason why you have to do that, and I think in terms of basketball, is because you can't get on the court and play for them. So you have to let them work the uh certain things out, and it's in the same uh way of uh dealing with adults because the athletic administration, we're just coaching adults. Uh is it's giving them that opportunity, uh, especially if someone is seeking out that opportunity. You know, I uh a couple years ago I had a conflict with a regional uh cross-country meeting a uh uh middle school volleyball tournament. Well, I had a uh coach that I was kind of mentoring. I put her in charge of the of the middle school volleyball tournament, and now she's an administrator somewhere else. Uh, but her peers even came back and responded to me and said, hey, she did a fabulous job. You know, and that did all the world of good for her as far as building her confidence and and you know, and growing uh more leaders, uh, you know, because I I I I won't be here all the time. I mean forever. I I I I gotta find who's gonna take my place. And and so I'm I'm uh I feel like I'm growing that person right now.

SPEAKER_04 31:36

I tell you what, again, she was not given the questions in advance, okay? I want to make sure that I'm very clear on that one.

SPEAKER_01 31:44

So No, I was not.

SPEAKER_04 31:46

So so to build on that concept specifically that you're talking about. So I know that right now there are a lot of athletic leaders and they're they're looking at all that's on their plate, they're wondering each day how they're gonna get it done, at the same time be the best spouse or the best parent that they can be when they get home. And I think that one of the best ways to do that, like you're talking about, is to look around your building, identify those people that you can trust, and giving them more responsibility. That that is that is very difficult to everybody listening to this right now, okay, me included, right now today. Um how can you get those around you more involved in what you're doing as a team and use their unique skills and personality to strengthen the team's direction?

SPEAKER_01 32:34

You know, I I think about um I have an image in my mind when as you were asking a question, I had the image of a one of my uh uh girls' athletic coordinators in mind. And what I see in this person, I see a hard worker and and and and a competitor. She's at a uh all-girls school limited facilities, but she's a worker bee. And so I I in knowing that when I needed another task done in a whole different area, I she's the one that I said, hey, take the lead on this, lead this group. And so consequently, right now she's leading uh her peers in and uh she's a subchair for um our uh our basketball girls and boys basketball for a certain district that includes all four schools in. Um and so you're you know, you're looking around for what talents people have, you know, the someone who's well organized. I mean, the person that uh that's running my the cross-country meet, that's someone that I recognize that, man, uh paperwork is always on point, uh, you know, has the ability to uh uh work well with her her coaching staff at her campus. And so uh you again, it's about putting people in places to be successful. And uh and you do that um by paying attention to people and and going back to what we talked about earlier, having those relationships because part of it is talking to people and finding out what they want to do, where they want to go. And and some of it is also when you see someone that might need a um a boost. Uh uh life is give giving them a bad taste for whatever me reason. It might not be work-related, it could be personal, but giving them something that might take their minds off of whatever uh might you know be bothering them uh and and giving them that opportunity to lead, you know, and and and all and the things that I'm saying are things that I've done in there because I knew the individuals. You know, I've had conversations with them and and again seeing what their talents are. And some people you they need a a a little nudge so you put them in a position where, you know, and it and it they might they might sink, you know, it's sink sink or swim. Uh you're hoping that they'll swim, but if they sink, then you know, you throw them a life jacket and they'll come to the surface, and then we'll try that again and we'll have a discussion about you know what worked and what didn't. Uh again, you wouldn't, I wouldn't uh not provide them with another leadership opportunity. We'll just have uh different type of conversations and things like that.

SPEAKER_04 35:07

Yep, I've used that before. Yes, sometimes people jump off the diving board and sometimes they get pushed. Yes. Now, speaking of working as a team, uh would would you mind reflecting on your favorite sports team that you either played on, coached, just observed. What do you remember about that team? What made it so good or so special? Was it just the success or was it more something a little bit more deeper than that?

SPEAKER_01 35:33

I'm gonna say uh it's probably the first team I played for in Germany. And it was definitely not the wins. Um it was the relationships. Um I, you know, I'm unfortunately uh uh our latest reunion had to be canceled. We were planning to go to uh Prince Edward Island because there was a couple of Canadians that also had played on the on that team. Uh, but I've gone back to Germany three times for reunions with those individuals. And and and it really it's um it was how we worked as a team. It was uh we cared about each other and we just kept the connection going. Um so it wasn't the most successful team by by all means. And that's not to uh discredit the the teams that I played here uh like at AM. I enjoyed my my teammates. Uh I I I I think part of it is I was a different person. Um, you know, I I was really quiet and shy as a um as a kid. And even my uh in college, uh one of my teammates I see from time to time, she always tells me, say, Lank, we just couldn't get you to talk. And so I think um so probably that might be the reason why the relationships weren't as deep uh as they were in Germany, even though the you know, I'm a German teammate spoke English. So those of you are thinking, well, she was in Germany, she does she speak German. My German is better today than it was then. But it was definitely the relationships, um, just going, you know, out on a court, bowling together and all the camaraderie afterwards, because you know, we always went to dinner after games. And so some things where you didn't get to do here in the States as a collegiate team or or even uh uh high school teammates. Um, because man, it's been a long time since I've been out of high school. That might be the reason why I'm not talking about a high school team. Man, it's just been a long time, but uh I mean it's it's coming up on 40 years. No, it's not that long. I don't think it's a lot of things.

SPEAKER_03 37:30

Yeah, sometimes we ask a question about what do you remember by high school, but uh we chose not to do that today. So uh that's all I want to change gears a little bit, uh talk about uh how you take care of yourself a little bit. And we know this is a if you want to use the word stressful, whatever word, you want to use busy job. Uh you have retweeted author Kevin DeSchezo a number a number of times. And one of the tweets that you just recently retweeted said, You become what you consume. Better inputs lead to better output. Uh so as a busy, very, very, very busy athletic leader, what are you consuming when you sense your performance needs to improve? In other words, what are you inputting when you need to deliver a better output?

SPEAKER_01 38:14

Well, first of all, I I'll say that I'm a spiritual person. Um I, you know, I so I take care of my spirit spiritual needs first. And um and so that's what I've been consuming uh as of late. Um, you know, and unfortunately, um you know um not able to uh go to in-person uh services as much as I would like, but still have that connection. The other thing uh as far as consuming is um who I surround myself with. Uh I have a there is a uh great group uh female athletic directors here in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex that um we support each other. You know, we have our uh uh text uh thread that goes out and knowing that you can count on uh uh these individuals for um support uh at any time. Um, you know, again, going back to relationships, uh one of the uh my first year in Fort Worth, I talked with a gentleman named Charles Lincoln, who's also an athletic uh director locally. And you know, I I can call Chuck anytime for support uh or just to talk things over with uh to you know, someone a professional ear. And then the other thing is, you know, when you talk about consume, um, I I I try to take care of myself. Um, you know, I work out three or four times a week because uh, you know, with the long hours that we work as athletic administrators, uh believe it or not, my workouts are my social outlets a lot of the time. So, you know, I have my 5:30 a.m. group of friends that we work out, you know, we do our boot camps together and we got great instructors and things like that. And I I I eat and I try to eat well. Um I grew up in a household where my mom uh was, you know, she baked and broiled a lot of things. So I um I now I'm not a very good cook, which helps me because I mean I'm not frying foods or anything like that, you know. Uh uh and and so I I I really try to take care of myself physically because I know that with the long hours we put in, if you're not taking care of your body at some point, it will break down on you. And you know, if you don't give it the rest of the of what it needs, it you know, it will fail you. Uh, and so I try to keep that in mind. Um and so yeah, it you know, what I consume, um books that will help me or give me insight, podcasts that will give me insight, like you you guys, you know, listen to uh my other colleagues and around the US and and things like that. So those are the kind of things that I consume, things that are going to improve my life and help me keep my peace.

SPEAKER_04 40:59

I totally get that. Now let's move to something that I know you're very passionate about, and that's girls in sports, uh, especially the opportunities of girls of color having access to a wide range of sports. Uh, and these days where specialization is spreading throughout the youth sports scene. Uh, I've got a daughter that plays soccer and volleyball, and I see it where you know she's 10, and that you are you already have these girls that that's they only play soccer or they only play volleyball, and that's all they do. How do you advise athletic leaders not to give into that mindset that kids, specifically female athletes, uh, should only play one sport? Uh and and what can we do to make all sports appeal to all of our students, uh, even those that aren't maybe just semi-interested in sports in general?

SPEAKER_01 41:44

I think first thing is when you are interviewing your your head coaches, talk to them, ask them a question about sharing athletes and and and multi-sports participation. What is their response? Is it just one of those canned responses and then they go out and do something different? Well, then if they do, then that's the coach you're gonna go back and have a conversation with. And so that's what we've really done here uh in Fort Worth. That's that's a conversation that we have. Uh, you know, we are uh uh Irving setting, and so we are in a position where we have to share athletes. And you know, and I think about some of the coaches who, you know, I'm the volleyball coach, and now my player's gone on to basketball, and I and that volleyball coach is going out to the basketball games to support the that athlete. And so I I see a lot of that. I mean, we have a situation where, and I know we're talking about girls, but this is still kind of unique, is we have a uh hip football coach who's an assistant track coach. And so that way we're showing that we're not just doing lip service when we talk about that we value athletic, uh, multi-sport uh athletic participation. And and it's a conversation that we have with with people, um, with our coaches. Um, you know, and and I'm an example of it. I played for sports, um, and and I was had success in two of them. And and we've shown uh situations where we've had basketball players that their senior year, they go out to for track and then they make it a state and track, you know, and so we talk about those, we share those type of stories with our coaches to make sure that they're not sending um uh signals to kids saying, hey, just play my sport. You know, now if that's the student's choice, then uh by all means we're we're gonna, you know, okay, that that's your choice as and you as a student athlete and and uh you know and your parents' choice. But uh we really try to look for kids to have multiple experiences because number one, you get to play on a different uh coaching uh and and so if you're going into sports on the next level, you know, you gotta be prepared for different types of coaching. Right. And and and I think that gives you uh a little um an advantage if you're uh playing other sports. And and and to your point, I I remember reading uh reading uh a tweet from I believe it was the Nebraska head volleyball coach, and this is unusual. Where a head volleyball coach at a program like that talked about uh having uh recruiting athletes that were multi-sport athletes. Now, if we get more of collegiate athletes making those, I mean coaches making those kind of statements, I think that would help uh help athletic administrators sell it more. But really and truly, I think it starts with uh who you hire as your head coach and what kind of message are you delivering to them and what kind of follow-through do they have.

SPEAKER_04 44:26

Yep, I agree. Now, I took part in the national AD collaboration hosted by Ira Childress and Amanda Waters back in August when you were a featured guest. Uh so first of all, thank you for doing that. I would like to spend a minute on something that you mentioned, and again, this gets back to something you've already kind of touched on. That day you you mentioned the NIAA mentoring committee. And I think that the most important thing that you said that day, that you've already said today, is that mentoring isn't just for new athletic administrators, that it's something that really speaks to more veteran ADs as well, or could uh more veteran ADs as well. Could you take a minute and maybe speak to the mentoring committee and what it's all about?

SPEAKER_01 45:05

Well, the mentoring committee is is is you know, it was an ad hoc committee and it just got full uh status, and so really and truly they are just having uh had their uh first national meeting. Uh and and what the goal or the purpose uh of the hopes of that is coming out with some uh means and and um an approach so that we can um bridge people bring people together, like you know, finding mentors and and uh for the various mentees, uh uh helping state organizations maybe design a mentoring program. So there it's it's it's not just one uh it there's it's multifaceted in that sense where there's a couple of different angles that we're looking at that we can with the sole goal of helping athletic uh administrators uh and like you said, it's not just the uh new newbie. It could be an athletic administrator who's a veteran but who's going into a new setting. Right. You know, when you change states like because if you come to Texas, an athletic administration looks different in Texas than it does in Missouri or you know, in other st and in different places and stuff like that. So, you know, the with the with the uh committee just getting started, they haven't had the opportunity yet to uh implement uh their plan uh as of yet. Uh but we're excited uh to see what they provide and also uh what they're able to share with other state ADs associations that might be considering a mentoring program within their own state.

SPEAKER_04 46:42

That's great.

SPEAKER_03 46:43

Yeah, that's good. So let's finish with uh one more question before we get to our two-minute drill. Maybe a tough question because it's probably like the book question. You probably have uh multiple answers you could pick from. But uh you mentioned going to the national conference each year. I imagine that you have been to many conferences throughout your career as an athletic administrator there in uh Fort Worth. So uh once again, it could be hard, but kind of put you on the spot. Who is the most memorable speaker you have heard? And what makes this one speaker and the content he or she shared so memorable? How have you used that moment, that information, that speaker's content to increase your leadership ability?

SPEAKER_01 47:25

Wow, okay, yeah, you're right. That is tough. Right. Because, you know, I'm I'm trying to think of as far as a leader or of course what I've done for my coaches, um a leader, um, yeah, that that that really is a tough one. Wow, because we've had great um, you know, I I think about our opening session speakers, I think about closing session, uh, you know, I I think about when you go to workshops, um uh Lee Green, uh, you know, when he talks about uh the um sports law, you know, he leaves me with bad, maybe nightmares because I always feel like when I leave him, I gotta go fix everything. No, but but those are things that uh when he talks, gives you those cases and things like that, that as a leader, it makes you come back and look at how am I leading? Am I um communicating uh effectively with my uh with my staff? Uh am I sharing with them uh things that are going to make sure that you know our kids are being treated well, uh that will minimize uh uh difficulties in the sense of like where our coaches aren't creating problems for themselves. Yeah, but man, when you when I think about just you you're right, I've just I've been to so many different uh sessions and they all and I keep notes. So this is one of the reasons why it's like, okay, well, let me go to my notepad and let me tell you what so-and-so, so-and-so said. Oh, and this is how I implement it, because generally that's what I do is I I uh one of the things has is and I know this is kind of not answering your question, but just so you're uh this is a reference. When I go to the uh uh national conference, I have uh as an athletic administrator, for my evaluation, I have to write down goals. And so one of my goals is when I go to the national conference is to take um things back from that, and I have to write down like uh three things that I'm going to implement uh from the uh national conference. And so uh when I think about that, uh what's really helped me as a uh an administrator of our coaches is uh listening to uh gosh, I'm I'm not gonna get his name correct, but his first name is Joe, he's from New Jersey, and he talked about coaches academies. And so that was something that um I put into place here in Fort Worth, and it was a combination really of that that that session, uh, that workshop and uh working on my dissertation. Uh I just um uh married the two where I did profiles of my coaches and found out what their needs were and then uh went out and and provided them with resources that the coaches had needed. So when I think about that that that workshop made uh for me, as far as being effective and assisting our coaches, that was probably the most uh beneficial. And not to say that the other ones haven't been, and and I will tell you this one thing about being on a board uh is uh you do not get the opportunity to go to many uh workshops uh when you're at the national conference. So the last uh this is my so the last two years at the national conference, I've had limited uh workshops that I've been able to attend. Uh that's the reason why the networking is so important because I'm getting my my professional development in the conversations that I have with uh individuals and things like that. And also just as a leader in and being on the board. But yeah, I I would go back to that that workshop on uh Coach's Academy, uh developing uh uh a coach's professional development program. That was essential is something I was able to implement here in Fort Worth. Really excited about that.

SPEAKER_03 51:11

That's great. Well, you mentioned you didn't answer the question. Well, you actually did answer it very well.

unknown 51:17

Sorry.

SPEAKER_01 51:18

But I couldn't remember, I couldn't remember like one person specifically in their name. It's like, man, it is all together because I I take stuff and I bring it in, and then you know, it's one of you know, it's like coaching when you say you steal stuff, you know, you steal from and that's what I've done.

SPEAKER_03 51:33

Absolutely. Well, what's what's funny is you answered another question that I took out. Uh, Don and I, we have fun putting questions together for our guests, and I had in the in that question about the conferences, do you go with a goal in mind? Do you have a certain purpose, a theme? I know sometimes I go and I'll look at different workshops and try to either get a good variety or just go to one topic and you you answer that question and I didn't even ask. So you answered two questions at once, and we appreciate that.

SPEAKER_01 52:02

Hey, I'm gonna tell you the secret to that afterwards, okay? That's right.

SPEAKER_03 52:05

Got it, got it. So um, well, that's great. Lots of uh lots of great information, lots of notes that we can put in play there from uh our day-to-day and then also our professional learning. So, Lisa, thanks a lot for that. Uh, we're gonna move into uh our fun uh ending here, the two-minute drill. I'm gonna let Coach Baker take the lead here.

SPEAKER_04 52:23

Okay, so Lisa, what we're gonna do is we're gonna hit you with some rapid fire questions. We want you just to tell us the first thing that comes to mind, okay? Okay. What was the first job you ever had ever? Washing windows when I was five. Okay. What do you love about athletics?

SPEAKER_01 52:40

Camaraderie.

SPEAKER_04 52:42

What do you love most about being an athletic leader?

SPEAKER_01 52:46

Seeing our kids perform well.

SPEAKER_03 52:49

What advice would you give your younger self?

SPEAKER_04 52:53

Don't take yourself so serious. What is the favorite vacation spot or favorite place to travel for you? Where there's an ocean.

SPEAKER_03 53:06

Absolutely. What's the best advice you have ever received?

SPEAKER_01 53:11

You know, from my mother, you you have to be able to offer the world something because it doesn't owe you anything.

SPEAKER_04 53:18

Oh well. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

SPEAKER_01 53:24

I would uh an actress or either a uh profess uh motivational speaker.

SPEAKER_03 53:31

What is something you wish someone had told you when you got your first AD job?

SPEAKER_04 53:37

Uh that parents aren't that scary.

unknown 53:40

That's good.

SPEAKER_04 53:40

That's good advice. What are you most excited about when you look at the future of high school athletics?

SPEAKER_01 53:47

Oh, the the potential to uh impact lives in such a positive manner. That that is that's it.

SPEAKER_03 53:54

Yeah. That's good. What's your biggest pet peeve? People that lie.

SPEAKER_04 54:01

What fad or trend do you hope never comes back? Oh.

SPEAKER_01 54:08

Boy. It's still around. Men with the saggy pants. I'm sorry. I I I just I hate that. It was around in the 70s. People don't realize that. I'm a little older, so they don't know. That was in that was a fad in the 70s, and I thought it would go away and and we still see a little of that today. Maybe not where you live, but we still see it here in in uh Urban Setting.

SPEAKER_03 54:28

If you could choose any historical figure to be your imaginary friend, that's kind of funny to me because I have a five-year-old, so he's using his imagination all the time. Uh, who would that be and why?

SPEAKER_01 54:39

Imaginary friend. I think it would be Harriet Tupman.

unknown 54:44

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 54:45

And and just uh where did you get your strength from? Where did you get that desire to uh really um help others?

SPEAKER_04 54:54

Now I hope you never have to do this. What would you grab if your house was on fire? You could grab one thing and get out. What do you grab?

SPEAKER_01 55:02

Oh boy. Um it would it would be a picture of my family with my mom and my brother, my grandmother.

unknown 55:11

Good.

SPEAKER_03 55:12

What is something that you will always pay full price for?

SPEAKER_04 55:17

Get shoes. Oh, good answer. Uh describe a morning or evening routine of yours.

SPEAKER_01 55:25

Morning routine is uh getting up, uh setting my intentions uh for the day, uh doing my Duolingo uh one German lesson, and then I get dressed and I go to the Y and I do my workout.

SPEAKER_03 55:39

Good. Now let's finish with this. One last question, kind of our trademark question, similar to what I asked earlier, but a little different. Today you've been hanging out with EAD, but let's say you could hang out with anyone. Who would that be and why?

SPEAKER_01 55:52

Boy, man, that that's broad. Uh anyone and why. Um, you know, I think I just finished reading our book. It would be Michelle Obama.

SPEAKER_04 56:03

That's good. Lisa, thank you so much for the pleasure of your time today. I know that our listeners are going to be able to learn from you and your experiences, and for that we're very grateful. So thanks again.

SPEAKER_01 56:13

Thank you. It's been a pleasure to be with you guys. Appreciate it.

SPEAKER_03 56:18

What a joy it was to spend time with Dr. Lisa Langston, Director of Athletics for the Fort Worth ISD in Fort Worth, Texas, and the current NIAA president. Dr. Langston, thank you for sharing your insight and strategies on how you lead at both the local and the national level. Thank you for teaching us that as leaders we must put on our good listening ears to help others be a part of what we are trying to do. Thank you for sharing your passion for the position of athletic administrator, especially when it comes to girls and minorities in sports. And thank you for what you've done as the leader of the NIAA this year and helping us get back in person with our 2021 conference coming up in Denver. I know that many of us are looking forward to that great time together. And it's because of your leadership and your efforts, along with others, that we will have that opportunity come December. We wish you the best leading day of Fort Worth, and we wish you the best as you finish up your year as NIAA president with your Denver conference. Once again, thank you for making us better by sharing the wisdom that you use and your leadership each and every day. And now, for our listeners, if you would give us a like, a rating, or a review on the platform you're listening from, we would love to hear from you and we would love to see those positive remarks and reactions. And until next time, thank you for spending your time hanging with EAD.